009559   Hailu L R;Pallavi A (Scholar, Physical Dep, Education and Sport Science, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh) : Passing technical skill executions comparison betweem playing position soccer players in the U17 male yougt league of Ethiopia, 2015/16 game season. INT J phys Educ Sports Hlth 2017, 4(2), 19-25.

Different scholars explain the soccer passing technique. Sam S. (2010)explained that passing techniques plays a multi-function in the soccer game and it is the action of giving the ball to a team-mate. It allows a team to keep ball possession, set up attacks, change the direction of play, counter-attack and provide a decisive or final pass. As a result, soccer passing technical skill plays a variety functions in the different playing positions of the field. Successful passing is the performance of giving the ball to a team-mate player. This study was done to look any significant differences between the selected soccer playing position players regarding the passing technical skill execution variables of on target pass, off target pass, and total passing attempt frequency ball count in the league, league zones, and find out whether defenders, midfielders, and attackers players differed in passing technical skill execution frequency ball count because of their playing positions in the U17 male youth soccer tournament league season of 205/16,Ethiopia. In the league, 126 games were conducted in three zones (central, south-east, and qualified) during 1st, 2nd and final rounds. Data were obtained from 96 games, which were sampled from each zones of the league using stratified random sampling method and chosen using simple random sampling technique. The data was collected from every defender, midfielder, and attacker players who participate in the sampled games by recording videos of these games. Sample size was determined from each stratum of the league games using Yamane's (1967) simplified formula (n = N / [1 + N (e) 2]) for proportions with 95% confidence level and p=0.5 assumed. Where, "n" is the sample size, in this study it is represented as "g", "N", represented here as "G", the population size (total games of the U17 male youth league), and "e" is the level of precision. IBM SPSS Statistics Version-22 was used to analyse the data statistically using inferential statistics (independent sample t-test to look any significant differences or similarities in the on target pass, off target pass, and total passing attempt frequency ball count during the games of the U17 male youth soccer players based on their playing positions in the league and league zones of the 2015/16 tournament season of Ethiopia. As a result from the findings of the U17 male youth soccer players in the 2015/16 league season games of Ethiopia about the game condition passing technical skill execution frequency ball count of on target pass, off target pass, and total passing attempts; there was a significant difference between defender and midfielder, defender and attacker, and midfielder and attacker players because of their playing positions in the games in their passing technical skill executions and this reveals that playing position have an effect in differing the technical skill executions frequency ball count of passing on target, passing off target and total passing attempt during games.

5 tables, 3 ref

009558   Gharedaghi L;Shahrbabak H M;Sadeghi M (Animal Science Dep, University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tehran Univ, Karaj 3158711167, Iran, Email: hmoradis@ut.ac.ir) : Identification of novel SNP in caprine β-lactoglobulin gene. J Genet 2016, 95(3), 485-90.

Beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG) gene is suggested as a functional candidate gene for milk yield and milk composition. β-LG polymorphism has been reported to be associated with milk yield in cows, sheep and Indian goats. This study was performed to identify SNPs in exon 7 of β-LG gene and their association with milk traits in Iranian local Mahabadi goats using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and PCR-sequencing. Three SSCP patterns were observed with frequencies 0.678, 0.096 and 0.226, respectively. Subsequently, after sequencing each unique pattern nine novel mutations were identified. These mutations include: T InDel at nucleotide position 93 and substitutions T/C, T/G, T/C, G/T, T/G, T/C, G/A and A/T at nucleotide positions 99, 124, 126, 134, 147, 156, 176 and 177, respectively. Of these, seven mutations were same among the genotypic patterns while differences were related to T deletion and insertion (-/T) at nucleotide position 93 with frequencies 0.22 and 0.78 in the presence and absence of T allele, respectively; and substitution (A/T) at nucleotide position 177 with frequencies 0.16 and 0.84 for A and T alleles, respectively. Milk traits including milk production (gr), milk fat and protein (%) were also measured. These findings demonstrated that β-LG gene had a significant effect on milk protein percentage (P <60> 0.05), but had no significant effect on milk production and milk fat percentage.

4 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

009557   El-Sayed M H;Arafat H H;Elsehemy I A;Basha M (Biology Dep, Faculty of Science and Arts, Northern Border Univ (Rafha), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Email: m_helal2007rm@yahoo.com) : Optimization, purification and physicochemical characterization of curdlan produced by Paenibacillus sp. strain NBR-10. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(2), 901-9.

In recent years, significant progress has been done to discover a novel microbial exopolysaccharides that possess novel and highly functional properties. During our screening program for curdlan producing bacteria, 35 bacterial strains were isolated from 15 sandy soils collected from Rafha governorate, Northern Border region, Saudi Arabia. Among them isolate, NBR-10 was selected for its promising ability for curdlan production. The selected isolate was identified based on 16S rDNA gene sequencing (Genbank accession number KT957624.1) as Paenibacillus sp. For enhancing the curdlan yield produced by Paenibacillus sp. NBR-10, different culture conditions and medium compositions were optimized. It was found that, the maximum yield was obtained at 35 °C, initial pH 7 after 48 h of incubation. Also different carbon and nitrogen sources were used to improve the curdlan yield, it was indicated that sucrose and yeast extract were the best carbon and nitrogen sources respectively. Generally, optimization of the different parameters was approximately duplicated the curdlan yield from 2.34 g/l to 4.82 g/l. The precipitated curdlan dissolved in 2M NaOH exhibited high affinity to gel formation. Analysis of FT-IR, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra proved that the produced polymer by Paenibacillus sp. NBR-10 has α-(1-3)-D-glucan (curdlan) structure.

4 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

009556   Dey P;Mendiratta K;Bose J;Joshi A (Evolutionary Biology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal Biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for, Jakkur P.O., Bengaluru-560 064, Email: ajoshi@jncasr.ac.in) : Enhancement of larval immune system traits as a correlated response to selection for rapid development in Drosophila melanogaster. J Genet 2016, 95(3), 719-23.

1 table, 29 ref

009555   Dassie G A;Motlagh A D;Chamari M;Mohammadreza E (Oromia Regional State Health Bureau, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Email: garero2015@gmail.com) : Prevalence of food insecurity and its association with muscle mass, hand grip strength and gait speed among elderly in Tehran. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(7), 2889-95.

Human muscle mass undergoes constant changes as one getting older. This change can be accelerated by inadequate nutrition. The aim of the study is to investigate the association between food insecurity and its association with muscle mass strength. The cross-sectional and case-control study was conducted among 310 men and 334 women (60 and over) from August 2014-July 2015 in Tehran. A pilot study was conducted before initiation of the study to validate equipment. Food insecurity data were collected using Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Muscles mass strengths were analyzed by Bioelectronics impedance analysis, Squeeze bulb dynamometer. Elderly people living in food insecurity status had scored lower mean standard deviation of muscle mass strength. Food security is a key factor to sustainin c7489-02), and the 6-step walk test. Association between food insecurity and other variables were analyzed by SPSS software. Findings showed that food insecurity prevalence was (29%). It also showed (10%) elderly women and (21%) men had low muscle mass, (24.3%) elderly women and (19.4%) men had a lower hand grip strength and a (21.9%) had low gait speed and the difference was significant (P-value <.001). The risk of having weak hand grip strength is 5.8 times higher in men in (model 1), 11.5 times higher in women (model 2) and 5.5 higher in men in (model 3). The risk of fallen more likely occurs in women compared to men. g muscle mass strength and physical performance. It helps to maintain healthy aging and improves quality life.

24 ref

009554   Dasgupta P;Halder S;Nandy B (Zoology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005, Email: nbodhi84@gmail.com) : Paternal social experience affects male reproductive behaviour in Drosophila melanogaster. J Genet 2016, 95(3), 725-7.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

009553   Cheptum J J;Gitonga M M;Mutua E M;Mukui S J; Ndambuki J M;Koima W J;Hale I (School of Health Sciences, Dedan Kimathi Univ of Technology, P.O Box 657 - 10100, Nyeri, Kenya, Email: jcheptum@yahoo.com) : Emergency obstetrics training improving skills among health care workers in Migori and Nyeri counties, Kenya. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(7), 3045-52.

Utilization of skilled health care is effective in reduction of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. Sufficiently trained health workers can competently handle and manage obstetric complications. Health workers, despite having undergone a formal training, require regular refreshers to keep up to date with new, evidence-based information. This is an evaluation report following Emergency Obstetrics and Neonatal Care skills - based training by Maternal and Infant Survival and Healthcare Advancement (MAISHA), a project by Dedan Kimathi University of Technology and College of The Rockies, Canada in collaboration with Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health among health care workers in Migori and Nyeri Counties' health facilities. Knowledge and skills pre-test was done before the training and a similar post-test was administered after the training to assess the level of knowledge and skills of each participant. Follow up was done to the trained participants four months after the training to assess the level of retention of the skills. The pre-test findings indicated that the health workers were equipped with theoretical knowledge, however the hands on skills were lacking in common procedures such as maternal and newborn resuscitation, breech delivery and use of a partograph in labour. After the training, knowledge was improved and skills were gained, however, follow up supervisory visits indicated need for a refresher training on the skills. A single training appears to be inadequate therefore more frequent skills-based trainings should be organized among health care workers in basic emergency obstetric care facilities.

18 ref

009552   Chatterjee S;Majumder P P;Pandey P (NO, National Institute of Biomedical Genomics, Netaji Subhas Sanatorium (T.B. Hospital), P.O.: N.S.S., Kalyani-741 251, Email: ppl@nibmg.ac.in) : Detecting cognizable trends of gene expression in a time series RNA-sequencing experiment: a bootstrap approach. J Genet 2016, 95(3), 587-93.

Study of temporal trajectory of gene expression is important. RNA sequencing is popular in genome-scale studies of tran-MTiptiun. Because of high expenses involved, many time-course RNA sequencing studies are challenged by inadequacy of sample sizes. This poses difficulties in conducting formal statistical tests of significance of null hypotheses. We propose a vutsirap algorithm to identify 'cognizable' 'time-trends' of gene expression. Properties of the proposed algorithm are derived using a simulation study. The proposed algorithm captured known 'time-trends' in the simulated data with a high probability of Success, even when sample sizes were small (n <60> 10). The proposed statistical method is efficient and robust to capture 'cognizable' 'time-trends' in RNA sequencing data.

3 illus, 6 tables, 31 ref

009551   Cao H;Liu C Y;Liu C X;Zhao Y L;Xu R R (Key Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Biology in University of Shand, Weifang Univ, Weifang, Shandong 261061, People Republic of China, Email: xuruirui2006@163.com) : Genomewide analysis of the lateral organ boundaries domain gene family in Vitis vinifera. J Genet 2016, 95(3), 515-26.

In plants, the transcription factor families have been implicated in many important biological processes. These processes include morphogenesis, signal transduction and environmental stress responses. Proteins containing the lateral organ boundaries domain (LBD), which encodes a zinc finger-like domain are only found in plants. This finding indicates that this unique gene family regulates only plant-specific biological processes. LBD genes play crucial roles in the growth and development of plants such as Arabidopsis, Oryza sativa, Zea mays, poplar, apple and tomato. However, relatively little is known about the LBD genes in grape (Vitis vinifera). In this study, we identified 40 LBD genes in the grape genome. A complete overview of the chromosomal locations, phylogenetic relationships, structures and expression profiles of this gene family during development in grape is presented here. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the LBD genes could be divided into classes I and II, together with LBDs from Arabidopsis. We mapped the 40 LBD genes on the grape chromosomes (chrl-chr19) and found that 37 of the predicted grape LBD genes were distributed in different densities across 12 chromosomes. Grape LBDs were found to share a similar intron/exon structure and gene length within the same class. The expression profiles of grape LBD genes at different developmental stages were analysed using microarray data. Results showed that 21 grape LBD genes may be involved in grape developmental processes, including preveraison, veraison and ripening. Finally, we analysed the expression patterns of six LBD genes through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reation analysis. The six LBD genes showed ilifferential expression patterns among the three representative grape tissues, and five of these genes were found to be involved in responses to mannitol, sodium chloride, heat stress and low temperature treatments. To our knowledge, this is the first study to analyse the LBD gene family in grape and provides valuable information for classification and functional investigation of this gene family.

7 illus, 1 table, 61 ref

009550   Bozorgi F;Derakhshanfar H;Hoseininejad S M; Abbasi A;Lali A;Tavakoli M (Emergeny Medicine Dep, Mazandaran Univ of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, Email: drhoseininejad@yahoo.com) : Cogitation on routine drowned cases in Mazandaran province: a case study in between the year 2008 to 2013. Ambient Sci 2016, 3(2), 61-3.

Since last few decades drowned cases are increasing in Mazandaran Province which could be directly estimated while going through the data available at the pre-hospital emergency department of the aforesaid Province and legal medicine organization. Mazandaran Province receives a great number of tourists every year, especially in summer and for them swimming in the Caspian Sea is the major motive of attraction. Our study was conducted on the descriptive-periodical basis in Mazandaran Province from June to September within 2008- 2013 by using the available resources at above mentioned units of the Mazandaran Province.With reference to the place of the drowning,death causes for most of the individuals indicate poor quality or ineff iciency of rescue systems. Possible suggestions have been given to overcome such accidents.

1 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

009549   Bhattacharya R;Mukherjee N;Dasgupta H;Islam S;Alam N;Roy A;Das P;Roychoudhury S;Panda C K (Oncogene Regulation Dep, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S.P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata-700 026, Email: ckpanda.cnci@gmail.com) : Frequent alterations of SLIT2-ROBO1-CDC42 signalling pathway in breast cancer: clinicopathological correlation. J Genet 2016, 95(3), 551-63.

The aim of the study was to understand the role of SLIT2-ROBO1/2-CDC42 signalling pathways in development of breast cancer (BC). Primary BC samples (n = 150), comprising of almost equal proportion of four subtypes were tested for molecular alterations of SLIT2, ROBO1, ROBO2 and CDC42, the key regulator genes of this pathway. Deletion and methylation frequencies of the candidate genes were seen in the following order: deletion, SLIT2 (38.6%) <62> ROBO1 (30%) <62> ROBO2 (7.3%); methylation, SLIT2 (63.3%) <62> ROBO1 (26.6%) <62> ROBO2 (9.3%). Majority (80%, 120/150) of the tumours showed alterations (deletion/methylation) in at least one of the candidate genes. Overall, alterations of the candidate genes were as follows: SL1T2, 75.3% (101/150); ROBO1, 45.3% (68/150); ROBO2, 15.3% (23/150). Significantly, higher alteration of SLIT2 locus was observed in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) over HER2 subtype (P = 0.0014). Similar trend is also seen in overall alterations of SLIT2 and/or ROBO1, in TNBC than HER2 subtype (P = 0.0012); of SLIT2 and/or ROBO2 in TNBC than luminal A (P = 0.014) and HER2 subtype (P = 0.048). Immunohistochemical analysis of SLIT2, ROBO1/2 showed reduced expression, concordant with their molecular alterations. Also, high expression of total CDC42 (49/52; 94.2%) and reduced expression of phospho Serine-71 CDC42 (41/52; 78.8%) was observed. Coalterations of SLIT2 and/or ROBO1, SLIT2 and/or ROB02 had significant association with reduced expression of phospho Serine-71 CDC42 (P = 0.0012-0.0038). Alterations of SLIT2 and/or ROBO1, reduced expression of phospho Serine-71 CDC42 predicted poor survival of BC patients. Results indicate the importance of SLIT2-ROBO1-CDC42 signalling pathway in predicting tumour progression.

7 illus, 4 tables, 35 ref

009548   Beheshtian M;et al. (Genetics Research Center, Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences Univ, Koodakyar Alley, Daneshjoo Blvd., Evin St., 1985713834 Tehran, Iran, Email: hnajm12@yahoo.com) : Prevalence of common MEFV mutations and carrier frequencies in a large cohort of Iranian populations. J Genet 2016, 95(3), 667-74.

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disorder caused by mutations in the MEFV gene. The disease is especially common among Armenian, Turkish, Jewish and Middle East Arab populations. To identify the frequency and the spectrum of common MEFV mutations in different Iranian populations, we investigated a cohort of 208 unselected asymptomatic individuals and 743 FMF patients. Nine hundred and fifty-one samples were analysed for the presence of 12 MEFV mutations by PCR and reverse-hybridization (FMF StripAssay, ViennaLab, Vienna, Austria). Confirmatory dideoxy sequencing of all MEFV gene exons was performed for 39 patients. Fifty-seven (27.4%) healthy individual carried mutant MEFV alleles. Three hundred and ninety-one (52.6%) FMF patients were found positive for either one (172/743; 23.1%), two or three MEFV mutations. Using dideoxy sequencing, three novel variants, A66P, R202W and H300Q, could be identified. Our analysis revealed an allele frequency and carrier rate of 15.6 and 27.4%, respectively, among healthy Iranians. Still moderate compared to neighbouring Armenia, but higher than in Turkey or Iraq, these data suggest that FMF is remarkably common among Iranian populations. E148Q was most frequent in the group of healthy individuals, whereas M694V was the most common mutation among FMF patients, thereby corroborating previous studies on MEFV mutational spectra in the Middle East. Accordingly, MEFV mutations are frequent in healthy Iranian individuals across different ethnic groups. Based on this finding, the awareness for FMF and the implementation of augmented carrier screening programmes considering the multiethnic nature of the Iranian population should be promoted.

5 tables, 50 ref

009547   Basavaraju A;Praveena M (Microbiology Dep, Mamata Medical College, Rotary Nagar, Khammam, Telangana) : Detection of biofilm producing bacteria on invasive medical devices and their antibiogram. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(7), 3053-9.

Biofilm formation is prevailing in almost all bacteria. They are responsible to cause infections like Peritonitis, Cystic fibrosis, Endocarditis, Otitis media, UTIs. The infections caused by the biofilms forming bacteria that colonize the indwelling medical devices are a major source of patient morbidity and implant failure. The study on biofilm formation on indwelling medical devices is important from a public health perspective. In the present study we have isolated various organisms on indwelling medical devices, and tested them for biofilm formation and also antibiotic susceptibility. In the present study a total of 100 isolates are identified by standard microbiological procedures, evaluated for biofilm production from various indwelling medical devices by two different methods, Tube method and by using Congo red agar. The Results 48% of isolates showed biofilms production, Klebsiella being the predominant isolate 20 (42%). Gram negative isolates were sensitive to Amikacin and Nitrofurantoin 22 (46%). Gram positive isolates were sensitive to Vancomycin and tetracycline 11 (23%). Congo red agar method was considered to be superior to test tube method 32 (66%), Z=3.12, P=0.002 which is considered to be significant statistically. The Biofilm producing bacteria are more in invasive medical devices and are resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. So it is an alarm for those who are associated with invasive procedures and indwelling medical devices.

29 ref

009546   Baruah V J;Satapathy S S;Powdel B R;Konwarh R;Buragohain A K;Ray S K (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Dep, Tezpur Univ, Napaam, Tezpur-784 028, Email: vishwabaruah@gmail.com) : Comparative analysis of codon usage bias in crenarchaea and euryarchaea genome reveals differential preference of synonymous codons to encode highly expressed ribosomal and RNA polymerase proteins. J Genet 2016, 95(3), 537-49.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the pattern of optimal codon usage in Archaea. Comparative analysis was executed to understand the pattern of codon usage bias between the high expression genes (HEG) and the whole genomes in two Archaeal phyla, Crenarchaea and Euryarchaea. The G+C% of the HEG was found to be less in comparison to the genome 11 ( % in Crenarchaea, whereas reverse was the case in Euryarchaea. The preponderance of U/A ending codons that code lor HEG in Crenarchaea was in sharp contrast to the C/G ended ones in Euryarchaea. The analysis revealed prevalence of U-cmiing codons even within the WWY (nucleotide ambiguity code) families in Crenarchaea vis-a-vis Euryarchaea, bacteria and Eukurya. No plausible interpretation of the observed disparity could be made either in the context of tRNA gene composition or genome G+C%. The results in this study attested that the preferential biasness for codons in HEG of Crenarchaea might he different from Euryarchaea. The main highlights are (i) varied CUB in the HEG and in the whole genomes in Euryarchaea ;nul Crenarchaea. (ii) Crenarchaea was found to have some unusual optimal codons (DCs) compared to other organisms. (iii) G+C% (and GC₃) of the HEG were different from the genome G+C% in the two phyla, (iv) Genome G+C% and tRNA gene number failed to explain CUB in Crenarchaea. (v) Translational selection is possibly responsible for A+T rich OCs in Crenarchaea.

7 illus, 2 tables, 44 ref

009545   Banu Y A;Swamy M;Tale V (Microbiology Dep, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of IT & Biotechnology, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deem, Pune-411 046, Email: vstale@gmail.com) : Isolation, characterization and antibiotic resistance pattern of nosocomial bacterial isolates. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(2), 417-22.

Nosocomial or Hospital acquired Infections (HAI) are a critical challenge to public health as these infections are one of the leading cause of death. Bacterial infections due to antibiotic resistant microorganisms are becoming increasingly common. This study was focused on analyzing the pattern of antibiotic resistance in nosocomial pathogens. Thirteen bacteria were isolated from a hospital in Pune cityand identified using standard morphological and biochemical tests. Pattern of antibiotic resistance was assessed with thirteen different antibiotics as per the guidelines of Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The results showed that among the thirteen isolates, Nisseria spp. (30.77%) was predominant followed by Pseudomonas spp. (15.38%), Moraxella spp. (15.38%), Hemophilus spp. (7.69%), Morococcus spp. (7.69%), Brucella spp. (7.69%), Bacillus spp. (7.69%) and Staphylococcus spp. (7.69%). Most of the isolateswere highly resistant to the different antibiotics used. Resistance frequency of Tetracycline was highest (80%) towards both Gram negative and Gram positive organisms followed by Azithromycin (67%). The increasing trend of resistance among the nosocomial pathogens poses a great health problem and in order to combat this, we need better and effective drugs to control and manage nosocomial infections.

4 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

009544   Banan P;Ali A (Life Sciences Dep, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagar, Santacruz(E), Mumbai-400 098, Email: ahmadali@mu.ac.in) : Preventive effect of phenolic acids on in vitro glycation. Ann Phytomed 2016, 5(2), 97-102.

The non enzymatic reaction between the carbonyl group of sugars and amino group of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids is termed as glycation. It has been linked to various diseases such as diabetes, cataract, Alzheimer's, dialysis related amyloidosis, atherosclerosis, Parkinson's as well as physiological ageing. In the present study, the progress of glycation was assessed, using methods for the measurement of browning, periodate, fructosamine and carbonyl content. It was found that phenolic acids (gallic acid, cinnamic acid and ferulic acid) caused a decrease in the production of amadori products and carbonyl content and had no significant effect on browning of glucoselysine mixture, standard glycation reaction. When the effect of gallic acid was checked on the glycated DNA sample, it caused the DNA damage alone and did not enhance the damage of glycated DNA sample. This study is significant as far as understanding the mechanism of phenolic acids on in vitro glycation is concerned.

5 illus, 31 ref

009543   Balaji E;Murugavel K (Physical Education, CBM College, Sakethapuri, Kovaipudur, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu) : Effects of maximal power training with and without plyometrics training on vertical jump height and maximum power of men team handball players. INT J phys Educ Sports Hlth 2017, 4(2), 33-7.

The study was designed to investigate the "Effects of maximal power training with and without plyometrics training on vertical jump height and maximum power of men team handball players". To achieve this purpose sixty college level men team handball players were randomly selected from Coimbatore district as subjects. Their age ranged between 18 and 25 years. The selected subjects were divided into three equal groups consisting of twenty each. No attempt was made to equate the groups. Experimental group I (n = 20) underwent maximal power training with plyometrics training (MPTWP), experimental group II (n = 20) underwent maximal power training without plyometrics training (MPTWOP) for a period of 12 weeks and group III (n = 20) acted as control group (CG), the subjects in control group were not engaged in any training programme other than their regular work. The criterion variables were chosen namely vertical jump height and maximum power. The dependent variables were assessed before and after the 12 weeks of maximal power training with and without plyometrics. The collected data on vertical jump height and maximum power were analyzed with application of 't' test to find out the individual effect from base line to post-test if any. Further Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to determine the significant difference between the treatment means. Whenever the 'F' ratios were found to be significant, scheffe's post hoc test was applied to test the significant difference between the paired adjusted means. 0.05 level of confidence was fixed to test the level of significance.

2 illus, 4 tables, 12 ref

009542   Awasthi P;Mahajan V;Jamwal V L;Kapoor N; Rasool S;Bedi Y S;Gandhi S G (NO, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIM), Council of Scient, Canal Road, Jammu-180 001, Email: sumitgandhi@gmail.com) : Cloning and expression analysis of chalcone synthase gene from Coleus forskohlii. J Genet 2016, 95(3), 647-57.

Flavonoids are an important class of secondary metabolites that play various roles in plants such as mediating defense, floral pigmentation and plant-microbe interaction. Flavonoids are also known to possess antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Coleus forskohlii (Willd.) Briq. (Lamiaceae) is an important medicinal herb with a diverse metabolic profile, including production of a flavonoid, genkwanin. However, components of the flavonoid pathway have not yet been studied in this plant. Chalcone synthase (CHS) catalyses the first committed step of flavonoid biosynthetic pathway. Full-length cDNA, showing homology with plant CHS gene was isolated from leaves of C. forskohlii and named CfCHS (GenBank accession no. KF643243). Theoretical translation of CfCHS nucleotide sequence shows that it encodes a protein of 391 amino acids with a molecular weight of 42.75 kDa and pi 6.57. Expression analysis of CfCHS in different tissues and elicitor treatments showed that methyl jasmonate (MeJA) strongly induced its expression. Total flavonoids content and antioxidant activity of C. forskohlii also got enhanced in response to MeJA, which correlated with increased CfCHS expression. Induction of CfCHS by MeJA suggest its involvement in production of flavonoids, providing protection from microbes during herbivory or mechan-ical wounding. Further, our in silica predictions and experimental data suggested that CfCHS may be posttranscriptionally regulated by miR34.

9 illus, 2 tables, 65 ref

009541   Ashwitha K;Pindiu P K;Swaroopa Rani A (Microbiology Dep, Palamuru Univ, Mahabubnagar-509 001, Email: pavankumarpindi@gmail.com) : Screening and isolation of cold-adapted cellulolytic bacteria fromextreme habitats - production and optimization of culture conditions. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(2), 459-68.

Cellulases are those hydrolytic enzymes that catalyse the total hydrolysis of cellulose into sugars. Psychrophiles are the ideal microbes for the production of enzymes active at low temperature and are also stable under alkaline conditions. The cellulases from psychrophiles also find wide applications in environmental bioremediation, laundry, food industry and molecular biology. This study is an attempt to study the diversity of psychrophilic cellulolytic bacteria, with a focus on the cellulase production and optimization of culture conditions for the best cellulase producing isolate. In the present study, a total number of 134 bacterial isolates were isolated from thesoil samples collected at 18 locations in Arunachal Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh of India. Of these isolates, 32 bacterial isolates showed hydrolysis of cellulose, and among them, AP6-C3 showed significant cellulolytic activity (zone of <62> 6 mm) on carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) agar plates for which the biochemical characterization was done. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the isolate AP6-C3as Bacillus sp. The optimal conditions at which Bacillus sp. showed the highest enzyme productivity was at 20 oC, pH 9 and 48 hr of incubation which may play a crucial role in this extreme environment. It was found that isolate AP6-C3 displayed specific activity of 6.89 U/mg. Ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by dialysis was performed to partially purify the cellulase enzyme. The molecular weight was found to be 35KDa by SDS-PAGE method. The results revealed the higher potentiality of these isolates to produce hydrolytic enzymes. The results obtained contribute to better understanding of the diversity of enzyme producing bacteria in cold habitats and their potential for production of hydrolytic enzymes allowing detection of promising psychrotolerant producers of industrially important enzymes.

6 illus, 2 tables, 56 ref

009540   Ashwitha K;Pindi P K;Swaroopa Rani A (Microbiology Dep, Palamuru Univ, Mahabubnagar-509 001, Email: pavankumarpindi@gmail.com) : Simple and rapid method for the isolation of genomic DNA from soil samples of extreme habitats. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(2), 413-16.

Because the composition of different extreme habitats varies with respect to their matrix, organic and inorganic compounds and biotic factors, standardization of total DNA extraction technique is desirable. Improved DNA extraction techniques could help to ensure a metagenomic library that adequately represents the entire community's genome without inhibitory substances. Since most analyses of soil biodiversity and functions assume that the DNA extracted represents the microbial community in the soil, but subsequent interpretations are limited by the amount of DNA recovered from the soil. Unfortunately, extraction methods do not provide uniform and correct metagenomic DNA, and as a consequence, accurate species distributions cannot be determined. Already existed protocols are extremely time consuming and complex processes. The present study dealt with the rapid and simple isolation of heterologous genomic DNA by manually prepared single extraction lysis mixture which included extraction buffer, lysozyme and SDS followed by incubation at optimal temperature of 55°C and then the DNA obtained from the lyses soil sample was purified by strong acid (3M HCl) and low base (0.1M NaOH) treatment for humic acid removal followed by purification using phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol-ethanol purification for protein and other contaminants, it gives high DNA yields. Purified crude DNA was also evaluated for percent recovery, fragment size, restriction Digestion and PCR amplification. An addition advantage of this method is that only 500mg of soil and 2hrs of time is very much enough to isolate a large quantity of heterologous genomic DNA from soil sample.

2 illus, 13 ref

009539   ArulJothi K N;Sivaraj I;Suruthi Abirami B; Harishankar M K;Arikketh D (Genetic Engineering Dep, SRM Univ, Chennai-603 203, Email: adevipradeep@gmail.com) : Extension and modification of Kanai's DNA isolation method for a spectrum of human specimens collected by invasive and noninvasive methods suitable for genotyping studies. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2016, 13(2), 1075-82.

There are a number of conventional methods and kits available for human genomic DNA isolation. These methods however come with limitations such as high cost, time-consuming, hazardous, and complex steps. We propose an extended and modified kanai's method that can be used for DNA isolation from various human specimens (blood, clot, saliva, urine, and cell lines) and from Gram-negative bacterial samples. The DNA isolated by this method was tested for suitability in genetic analysis techniques such as PCR RFLP, ARMS PCR, and High Resolution Melt analysis. The DNA isolated had high purity (mean A₂₆₀/A₂₈₀ = 1.7 to 1.8) and was stable at 4°C and - 20°C. This method is suitable for very low volume of blood (20 μl), long stored blood (3 years), and also for noninvasive samples. The DNA gave consistent and accurate results in PCR RFLP, ARMS, and HRM techniques. We have demonstrated that the DNA isolation method is an effective method for fresh blood, blood clot, saliva, urine and cell line samples and we prove its applicability in genotyping studies.

6 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

009538   Ardalan A;Mohammadi H;Bavani A M;Naddafi K; Talebian M T (Disaster and Emergency Health Dep, Iran's National Institute of Health Research, Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, Email: Mohammadi-h@razi.tums.ac.ir) : Preprocessing and optimization of smooth data-driven model for emergency conditions against air pollution. Ambient Sci 2016, 3(2), 22-9.

Magnitudes of the air pollution depend on various variables. Preprocessing and optimisation processes are necessary to discover the complexity of the relationship of the data for more accurate and efficient predictions. These techniques help to clean the datasets and to find the best structure of the smooth data model. The Gamma test (GT) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) are practical tools which can be applied for preprocessing and optimising data models. Regarding building a smooth data model, the developed artificial neural networks are functional optimisation strategies which are suitable for ANN training. Moreover, local linear regression (LLR) and dynamic local linear regression (DLLR) models are effective due to the high density of our normalised dataset. In this regard, we developed a process to construct a smooth data model to support environmental decision making in air pollution emergency conditions. The main objective of this work was to set an appropriate algorithm by preprocessing and optimising a set of the data model for developing smooth data-driven models which could play a significant role in early warning systems in regard to the human health. The data sets included the meteorological and air pollutant variables as inputs/predictors and emergency medical service clients as outputs. The GT and GA were applied to analyse and optimise the input variables. Three types of ANNS (ANNi, ANN2, and ANNs), (LLR), and (DLLR) techniques were used to establish the models. Finally, a smooth data model was constructed and evaluated.

10 illus, 9 tables, 38 ref

009537   Amandeep Kaur;Anupam Kaur (Human Genetics Dep, Guru Nanak Dev Univ, Amritsar-143 005, Email: anupamkaur@yahoo.com) : Maternal MTHFR polymorphism (677 C-T) and risk of down's syndrome child: meta-analysis. J Genet 2016, 95(3), 505-13.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFK) is the most important gene that participates in folate metabolism. Presence of valine instead of alanine at position 677 and elevated levels of homocystein causes DNA hypomethylation which in turn favours nondisjunction. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to establish link between maternal single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and birth of Down's syndrome (DS) child. A total of 37 case-control studies were selected for analysis including our own, in which we investigated 110 cases and 111 control mothers. Overall, the result of meta-analysis showed significant risk of DS affected by the presence of maternal SNP (MTHFR 677 C-T OR = 0.816, 95% CI = 0.741-0.900, P <60> 0.0001). Heterogeneity of high magnitude was observed among the studies. The chi-square value suggested a highly significant association between homozygous mutant TT genotype and birth of DS child (x^{2 = 23.63, P = 0.000). Genetic models suggested that 'T' allele possesses high risk for DS whether present in dominant (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.13-1.34); codominant (OR = 1.17, 95% CI= 1.10-1.25) or recessive (OR = 1.21, 95%CI= 1.05-1.38) form. The analysis from all 37 studies combined together suggested that MTHFR 677 C-T is a major risk factor for DS birth.}

7 illus, 2 tables, 51 ref

009536   Al-Kandari N M;Singh J;Sangar V C (School of Forensic and Investigative Sciences, Central Lancashire Univ, Preston, UK) : Time-dependent effects of temperature and humidity on quantity of DNA in samples of human saliva, blood and semen in Kuwait. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(7), 2852-73.

Forensic science is growing rapidly in the world today. During the past ten years, medico-legal investigations highly expanded to include all areas of forensic science. The present aim of project investigated 29 samples of blood and 29 samples of saliva swabs that were collected from human volunteers. The saliva samples were collected by buccal swab but the blood samples were collected by Bode Secur Swab S.I.T. Collector. The experiments were done at four different temperatures (55°C, 37°C, 24°C and 4°C) for 28 days. The results showed that, DNA quantity that was investigated at a temperature of 4°C and 24°C in both blood and saliva samples was more or less remained the same during the whole period of the study, comparing values for day one with all other days including day 28. DNA quantification of human blood following extraction at 37°C was 46.14 ng/μl ± 0.22 at day one then starts to decrease until it reached 36.05 ng/μl ± 0.07 at day 28. In contrast, the result obtained from real-time PCR showed that, when the temperature was raised to 55°C, the DNA started to degrade with time until it reaches zero at day 12. The results clearly show that DNA is extremely sensitive to heat. In conclusion, the present project has shown that accidental deaths are the major cause for un-natural deaths in Kuwait. Moreover, the study concluded that an environmental temperature of 55°C, revealed no DNA survival after 12 days of exposure.

29 ref

009535   Ahmad M;Jairajpuri D S;Aeri V;Jairajpuri Z S; Akhter M S;Jain M;Sharma M (Herbal Bioactive Research Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral Univ, Lucknow-226 026, Email: mahmadd@iul.ac.in) : Protective effect of Caesalpinia bonducella (Linn.) seed kernel extract in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia and oxidative damage in wistar rats. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(8), 3406-22.

Evidence implicates hyperglycemia induced oxidative stress as a key factor in the pathogenesis of both microvascular and macrovascular complications in the body. Our main objective behind this study was to explore the beneficial effect of Caesalpinia bonducella seed kernel extract on Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemia and oxidative damage in rats. Rats were made hyperglycemic by single intravenous injection of Streptozotocin 40mg/kg of body weight. Hyperglycemic rats treated with extract in three different doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg of body weight orally for 21 days shows a significant decrease in blood glucose, HbA1c, free amino groups whereas an increase in serum insulin level, liver glycogen contents with a significant improvement in glucose tolerance. Furthermore, above extract supplementation significantly decreases the pancreatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances levels along with an increase in superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione contents in pancreatic tissues in treatment groups when compared with control hyperglycemic rats. Treatment with above extract has lessened the severities of degenerative changes in pancreas and also in the liver tissues as compared to that of untreated control rat with hyperglycemia. Our results suggest that the ethanolic extract of Caesalpinia bonducella seed kernel improves the antioxidant defense under hyperglycemic condition and also exhibit strong anti-hyperglycaemic effect in dose dependent manner.

55 ref

009534   Acharya A (NO, Government College and Physical Education, Bhubaneswar, Odisha) : High school students' participation in sporting activity and their personality variables: an analysis. INT J phys Educ Sports Hlth 2017, 4(2), 16-18.

The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between the participation of male and female high school students in sporting activity and personality variables. The research hypotheses assumed that the level of participation in sporting activity of students would be related to differential levels of self-efficacy, self control and attribution style as well as to gender. The research findings indicate significant differences between the three research groups on the research variables. The students in the competitive sport group attained higher levels of self efficacy, self-control and attribution style than students in the two other groups. No significant gender differences were found in the study with male and female students in each of the research groups reporting similar levels of self-efficacy, self-control and attribution style. The results of this study indicate that male and female students who participate in competitive sport are characterized by more positive personality characteristics than students who are not involved in that level of sporting activity.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

009533   Acharya A (NO, Government College of Physical Education, Bhubaneswar, Odisha) : Analysis of avhievement goal orientation and coping strategies, among the university athletes. INT J phys Educ Sports Hlth 2017, 4(2), 13-15.

Objective of the study was to find out the relationship between goal orientations (task and ego) and psychological coping skills among University's athletes. Participants were 85 athletes, both male (n= 35) and female (n = 50) aged between 19 and 28 years old who represented one of the largest university of Eastern part of India i.e. Utkal University, Bhubaneswar. Results indicated that there is a moderate relationship between goal orientations and psychological coping skills, with ego orientation showing a stronger relationship than task orientation. Moreover, the results showed that the athletes have both high task (mean=3.97) and fairly high ego orientations (mean=3.71), and there was no significant differences between males and females in goal orientations (p>.05). The results found that ego orientation was significantly correlated with all the six coping skills (p<60>0.01) but task orientation was significantly correlated with only five coping skills (p<60>0.01) as freedom from worry was not significantly correlated with task orientation. The results on the relationship between gender and psychological coping skills found that females were more likely to use concentration and peaking under pressure, whereas male athletes used freedom from worry as their coping responses. The study also found that there is a significant relationship between the athlete's goal orientation and his/her psychological coping skills.

3 tables, 10 ref

008575   Yuniarti H;Cholis B S;Nugroho A R (Industrial Engineering Dep, Trisakti Univ, Indonesia, Email: astrinugroho@yahoo.com) : Optimization of cycle sequencing DNA base with reagents bigdye PGEM using DNA sequencer genetic analysis auotomatis ABI PIRSM 310. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 25-30.

This study aims to optimize the process cycle sequencing of DNA bases by dilution reagent BigDye (pGEM-BGT) using Automatic DNA sequencer ABI Prism 310 Genetic Analyzer based on fluorescence. With the concentration of volume variation method Reagents 2μL, 4μL and 8μL, c/ycling cycle duration and annealing temperature. Injected through a capillary tube automatically. Fluorescence detection of DNA fragments after electrophoresis process in the capillary tube is considered a method of DNA sequencing analysis simplification. Capillary electrophoresis instrument can be interpreted from the results elektroferogram display based on the length sequences, noisy, elektroferogram display, signal intensity and similarity with the reagent comparison. The accuracy of the sequencing results is influenced by several stages of the process of sequencing is the isolation, purification, amplification, characterization, etc. Big Dye treatment 2iL volume generated by the application program Phydit low similarity (95%) when compared with standard pGEM. Elektroferogram peak results show relatively low sequence (noisy) which is caused by a large pile of weak signal. However, the length of sequences that read relatively good, for long sequences of 400 bp range, as well as treatment for BigDye 4μL (99.55%). At 8iL obtained the highest similarity (99.74% at 25 x cycle cycling duration and annealing temperature 500C) so it is more properly used to sequence length?} 3000 bp. Quality and a good level of confidence shown by the display peaks at elektroferogram are clearer when edited using a program Chromas Lite V2.1. Process cycle sequencing of DNA bases with BigDye diluted reagent specific results, fast, precise, and accurate. In addition this technique does not require special skills for users and reduces the complexity of the sequencing process.

6 illus, 8 ref

008574   Verma Y;Rana S V S;Singh N (Toxicology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, C.C.S. Univ, Meerut-250 004, Email: yeshvandra@gmail.com) : Simultaneous exposue to benzene and alcohol in petrol pump operators. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2606-10.

A study on biological monitoring of simultaneous exposure to benzene and alcohol was made in petrol pump operators of Meerut city (India). In addition to alcohol, other confounding factors viz. cigarette smoke, food habit, age and work experience were also considered. Thirty two, 20-40 years old male workers were registered for this study. Respective urine samples collected after the workshift were analyzed for specific gravity, creatinine and phenol. Phenol concentration corrected to creatinine was found to be low (22.22 mg/g creatinine) in alcoholic pump operators in comparison to non-alcoholic operators (24.09 mg/g creatinine). It has been suggested that acute ethanol ingestion inhibits benzene oxidation in the liver with an ethanol inducible form of CYP₄₅₀. Although urinary phenol concentration in the registered Indian petrol pump operators is less than BEI as suggested by ACGIH (50mg/g creatinine), simultaneous exposure to alcohol and benzene may potentiate the hepatotoxicity, cytotoxicity of benzene amongst petrol pump operators.

27 ref

008573   Srivastava A;Bhattacharya A;Bhattacharya S; Jhingan G D (School of Environmental Sciences and Jawaharlal Nehru Univ, , New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110 067) : Identification of EhTIF-IA: the putative E. histolytica orthologue of the human ribosomal RNA transcription initiation factor-IA. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 51-62.

Initiation of rDNA transcription requires the assembly of a specific multi-protein complex at the rDNA promoter containing the RNA Pol I with auxiliary factors. One of these factors is known as Rrn3P in yeast and Transcription Initiation Factor IA (TIF-IA) in mammals. Prn3p/TIF-IA serves as a bridge between RNA Pol I and the pre-initiation complex at the promoter. It is phosphorylated at multiple sites and is involved in regulation of rDNA transcription in a growth-dependent manner. In the early branching parasitic protist Entamoeba histolytica, the rRNA genes are present exclusively on circular extra chromosomal plasmids. The protein factors involved in regulation of rDNA transcription in E. histolytica are not known. We have identified the E. histolytica equivalent of TTF-1A (EhTIF-TA) by homology search within the database and was further cloned and expressed. Imrnuno-localization studies showed that EhTIF-IA co-localized partially with fibrillarin in the peripherally localized nucleolus. EhTIF-IA was shown to interact with the RNA Pol I-specific subunit RPA12 both in vivo and in vitro. Mass spectroscopy data identified RNA Pol I-specific subunits and other nucleolar proteins to be the interacting partners of EhTIF-IA. Our study demonstrates for the first time a conserved putative RNA Pol I transcription factor TIF-IA in E. histolytica.

5 illus, 62 ref

008572   Singh N P (NO, Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, Missouri, 64110, USA, Email: narendrabiotech@gmail.com) : Hox genes: let's work together. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2016, 82(4), 1229-36.

Hox genes determine antero-posterior (A-P) axis in all the Bilaterians. Function of Hox genes in a collinear and non-overlapping order sets the A-P body axis. Hox genes achieve the non-overlapping functions by posterior prevalence phenomenon. In the posterior prevalence a posterior Hox gene dominates over the anterior Hox genes to impose its function in regions of overlapping expression. Now, a few studies have shown exceptions to this rule. This review discusses the mechanisms and exceptions to the rule of posterior prevalence. Our current understanding suggests that anterior and posterior Hox genes have adopted mechanisms to work together during development.

53 ref

008571   Singh C V;Verma R C (Pharmacology, Academic Block, UP Rural Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Saifai, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh) : Effect of vitamin E on blood glucose level in rabbits and its possible interaction with commonly used anti diabetic agents. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2671-7.

Effect of Vit. E on blood glucose and its possible interactions with oral antidiabetic agents (i.e. glimepiride, gliclazide and metformin) in rabbits have been reported in the present study. The study was performed on albino rabbits in which hyperglycemia was induced by giving glucose. We observed that Vit.E significantly lowered the blood glucose level but on co-administration with oral antidiabetic agents it antagonized the effect of the latter drugs. It is therefore advisable not to give inadvertent amount of Vit.E to diabetic patients just in a belief that antioxidants are helpful to diabetics and do not produce adverse effects.

11 ref

008570   Singh A;Saraf S;Dasgupta I;Mukherjee S K (Plant Molecular Biology Dep, University of Delhi South Campus, Benito Juarez Road, New Delhi-110 021, Email: indranil58@yahoo.co.in) : Identification and validation of a virus-inducible ta-siRNA-generating TAS4 locus in tomato. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 109-18.

Trans-acting small interfering RNAs (ta-siRNAs) are a class of endogenous small RNA, associated with post-transcriptional gene silencing. Their biogenesis requires an initial micro RNA (miRNA)-mediated cleavage of precursor RNA. Around 20 different ta-siRNA-producing loci (TASs), whose sequences are conserved, are reported in plants. In tomato, two TAS gene families have been identified, which are found to target auxin response factor gene and bacterial spot disease resistance protein Bs4 gene. Using high-throughput computational and experimental approach, we identified a new locus-producing ta-siRNA in tomato. We have also identified the putative miRNA regulating the production of ta-siRNA from this locus. The ta-siRNAs generated from TAS4 were up-regulated upon infection with a DNA virus. The potential targets of ta-siRNAs were predicted to be variety of proteins including MYB transcription factors and cell cycle regulators for some of the ta-siRNAs produced.

4 illus, 3 tables, 41 ref

008569   Sadarangani M;Claire Hoe J;Makepeace K;Ley P V D; (Oxford Vaccine Group, Pediatrics Dep, Oxford Univ, Centre for Clinical Vaccinology and Tropical Medicine, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK, Email: manish.sadarangani@paediatrics.ox.ac.uk) : Phase variation of Opa proteins of Neisseria meningitidis and the effects of bacterial transformation. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 13-19.

Opa proteins are major proteins involved in meningococcal colonization of the nasopharynx and immune interactions. Opa proteins undergo phase variation (PV) due to the presence of the 5'-CTCTT-3' coding repeat (CR) sequence. The dynamics of PV of meningococcal Opa proteins is unknown. Opa PV, including the effect of transformation on PV, was assessed using a panel of Opa-deficient strains of Neisseria meningitidis. Analysis of Opa expression from UK disease-causing isolates was undertaken. Different opa genes demonstrated variable rates of PV, between 6.4 x 10^{-4 and 6.9 x10-3 per cell per generation, opa genes with a longer CR tract had a higher rate of PV (r2=0.77,p=0.1212). Bacterial transformation resulted in a 180-fold increase in PV rate. The majority of opa genes in UK disease isolates (315/463, 68.0%) were in the 'on' phase, suggesting the importance of Opa proteins during invasive disease. These data provide valuable information for the first time regarding meningococcal Opa PV. The presence of Opa PV in meningococcal populations and high expression of Opa among invasive strains likely indicates the importance of this protein in bacterial colonization in the human nasopharynx. These findings have potential implications for development of vaccines derived from meningococcal outer membranes.}

2 tables, 39 ref

008568   Rudrappa S M;Kushwah A;Banerjee A (NO, , Harihar-577 601, Email: ruder_bio@yahoo.co.in) : Identification and characterization of gut antigenic protein of Ascaris suum. J Cell Tissue Res 2016, 16(3), 5875-9.

Ascaris suum is the most prevalent parasite in domestic swine, severely limiting the animal productivity throughout the world. However, anthelmintic resistance in nematodes population has focused attention on the prospect of developing effective anti-nematode vaccine. The present study was therefore, envisaged to focus on identifying and characterizing some specific antigenic proteins of A. suum responsible for protection. In perspectives, adult worms were procured from naturally infected pigs slaughtered at local abattoirs. After washed with 0.15M physiological saline, gut of the worms was dissected out, homogenized and the extract was prepared. Protein in all the processed extracts was fractionated separately by gel permeation chromatography on Sephadex G-200 and observed spectrophotometrically at 280nm. The presence of antigenic protein in elutes was identified by DID assay upon testing against hyper-immune sera, raised in rabbits. Upon SDS-PAGE, the dialyzed antigenic proteins of gut were resolved into 66 and 120 kDa. While immunoblotting analysis indicated that gut antigenic protein of 66kDa was identified to be the most immuno-dominant and therefore, can be explored for immuno-prophylactic purpose.

5 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

008567   Neshati T;Noorbakhsh F;Karizi S (Microbiology Dep, Islamic Azad Univ, Varamin-Pishva Branch, Varamin, Iran, Email: niloofar_noorbakhsh@yahoo.com) : Molecular identification of Escherichia coli beta-lactamase TEM and SHV by PCR in Tehran hospital waste water. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2016, 18(1), 111-16.

Antibiotics are one of the most valuable medicinal substances entering the hospital waste water cause as problems for environment. Over use of antibiotics and their entry in to the hospital waste water lead to increasing of antibiotics resistance bacteria (1). TEM and SHV beta-lactamase enzymes are the most important factor in resistance to beta- lactamaseantibiotic between gram negative bacteria. Evidence is increasing of presence of B-lactamase enzymes in hospital effluents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of antibiotic resistance genes in the field of blashv and bla TEM is in hospital waste water. Fifty two strains of Escherichia coli were isolated from hospital waste water and antibiotic resistance is determined by disk diffusion method. Antibiotics studied were Cefotaxime, Ceftazidime, Ceftizoxime, Imipeneme, Sterptomycin, Ciprofloxacin, Amoxicilin, Gentamicin. DNA extracted from isolated bacteria and finaly PCR was performed for the detection of blaTEM and bla SHV gene. Antibiotic susceptibility test revealed that 35 strains of 52 isolates were resistant to amoxicillin. PCR amplification revealed bla TEM and bla SHV gene respectively 33 (% 63.1) and 31(%59.5) of E.coli isolated of waste water. Phenotypic test results showed that the production of beta-lactamase enzymes of the strains studied is high. And finally PCR studied showed a high frequency of of TEM and SHV.

6 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

008566   Nagabhushana A;Mishra R K (Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Uppal Road, Hyderabad-500 007, Email: bhushana@ccmb.res.in) : Finding clues to the riddle of sex determination in zebrafish. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 145-55.

How sex is determined has been one of the most intriguing puzzles in biology since antiquity. Although a fundamental process in most metazoans, there seems to be myriad of ways in which sex can be determined - from genetic to environmental sex determination. This variation is limited mainly to upstream triggers with the core of sex determination pathway being conserved. Zebrafish has gained prominence as a vertebrate model system to study development and disease. However, very little is known about its primary sex determination mechanism. Here we review our current understanding of the sex determination in zebrafish. Zebrafish lack identifiable heteromorphic sex chromosomes and sex is determined by multiple genes, with some influence from the environment. Recently, chromosome 4 has been identified as sex chromosome along with few sex-linked loci on chromosomes 5 and 16. The identities of candidate sex-linked genes, however, have remained elusive. Sex in zebrafish is also influenced by the number of meiotic oocytes in the juvenile ovary, which appear to instruct retention of the ovarian fate. The mechanism and identity of this instructive signal remain unknown. We hypothesize that sex in zebrafish is a culmination of combinatorial effects of the genome, germ cells and the environment with inputs from epigenetic factors translating the biological meaning of this interaction.

3 tables, 85 ref

008565   Nadia K N;Das A;Karmakar P;Banik S;Rahman K A;Hossain M M;Satter M M (Pharmacy Dep, Noakhali Science and Technology Univ, Noakhali-3814, Bangladesh, Email: pknstu@gmail.com) : Exploring women's awareness about breastfeeding and health benefits using a cross-sectional survey in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Int J pharm Sci Res 2016, 7(6), 2410-15.

This cross-sectional questionnaire based study was conducted among 200 randomly selected child bearing mothers aged 16 to 40 to evaluate their awareness regarding breastfeeding and its health benefits in urban and slum area of Dhaka city from July to December 2013. The study showed that about 46% of respondents completed higher secondary education or more and about 27% were illiterate. A significant proportion of mothers (75%) were employed while 25% were housewives. More educated mothers had significantly (p<60>0.001) better knowledge about colostrum milk (91.5%) about the appropriate duration of breastfeeding (81.40%) and that breast milk is the only food recommended for babies up to 6 months of age (96.90%) in comparison to that of the uneducated mothers (49.30%; 25.35% and 77.46%, respectively). Educated mothers were also significantly more likely than uneducated women to know about benefits of breastfeeding with regard to post-partum weight loss (OR=0.462, 95% CI 0.298-0.715, p<60>0.001), prevention of unwanted pregnancy (OR=0.064, 95% CI 0.030-0.136, p<60>0.001) and post-partum bleeding (OR=0.147, 95% CI 0.083-0.257, p<60>0.001). Awareness of recommended breastfeeding practices and its health benefits are not satisfactory so more attention from government and non-government authority is required for the welfare of both mother and children.

21 ref

008564   More P;Pai K (Zoology Dep, Centre of Advanced Study, Saviutribai Phule Pune Univ (formerly Univ o, Ganeshkhind, Pune-411 007, Email: kalpanapai@unipune.ac.in) : Effect of Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) on the phagocytic and pinocytic activity of murine macrophages in vitro. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(1), 21-6.

Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) is a widely used herb in Ayurvedic system of medicine known to possess immunomodulatory properties. The present study was aimed to study the activation of macrophages after in vitro guduchi treatment. The aqueous extract of T. cordifolia was found to enhance phagocytosis and pinocytosis in vitro. The rate of pinocytosis by macrophages when measured by uptake of horseradish peroxidase was significantly increased after guduchi treatment as compared to medium alone. The macrophages demonstrated an increased phagocytosis to non-infective microorganisms (heat killed yeast) and live infective microorganisms (E. coli) after guduchi treatment. The results demonstrate that Guduchi enhances macrophage activation as analyzed by cytochemical parameters.

2 illus, 3 tables, 30 ref

008563   Morange M (Centre Cavailles, Republique des Savoirs: Lettres, Sciences, Philosphie USR 3608, Ecole, Normale Superiecure, 29 Rue d'Ulm, 75230, Paris Cedex 05, France, Email: morange@biologie.ens.fr) : Sucess story of the expression 'genome editing'. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 9-11.

30 ref

008562   Mackenzie J;Moodley K;Mackraj I;Chuturgoon A; Phulukdaree A;Serumula M;Myburg R (Discipline Medical Biochemistry, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health, Private Bag X7, Congella, 4013, Email: mackraji@ukzn.ac.za) : Apoptosis-inducing effects of Tulbaghia violacea harv methanolic extracts on human Jurkat leukemia T cells. Indian J Tradl Knowledge 2017, 16(1), 51-8.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of methonolic extracts of Tulbaghia violacea (TVL), on Jurkat cells (human T lymphocyte). Jurkat cells were treated with IC50 concentrations of TVL (leaf, rhizome and stalk) extracts as determined by MTT assay and glutathione (GSH) concentration was measured using the GSH-Glo assay. The comet and DNA fragmentation assays were used to determine DNA damage induced by the TVL extracts, and mitochondrial membrane potential activity performed by JC-1assay. The results showed that all TVL extracts except leaf increased apoptosis. TVL leaf instead showed increased necrosis when compared to other TVL components. In addition, TVL extracts induced caspase 3/7, 8 and 9 activity and induced PARP cleavage. These findings suggest that TVL exerts anti-cancer activity primarily through the mechanism of apoptosis. The results suggest that TVL rhizome and stalk induce apoptosis through the intrinsic pathway due to increased activation of caspase 9 and 3/7, with TVL rhizome having the greatest effect on human T lymphocyte cells. Thus, this study suggest that TVL extracts have the potential to induce cell death in Jurkat cells by mitochondria mediated pathway through the involvement of caspase-3/7 in particularly in TVL rhizome.

4 illus, 1 table, 34 ref

008561   Kunwar F;Tandel K;Bakshi S R (Institute of Science, Nirma Univ, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad-382 481, Email: sonal.bakshi@nirmauni.ac.in) : Recurrent chromosomal translocations: is proximity a rule?. Indian J expl Biol 2017, 55(1), 15-20.

The role of recurrent chromosomal translocations in pathogenesis is well characterized in many leukemia subtypes; however, the factors leading to such preferential gene fusions are yet to be understood. The proximity of the genetic regions is considered important for genetic exchange, and interphase molecular cytogenetic methods can be employed to measure the same. The interphase genomic location of gene pairs taking part in translocations which are non-randomly associated with leukemia subtypes was studied for the extent of proximity by measuring relative distance and radial location. The FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) signals corresponding to gene pairs were scored for relative distance and percentage of possible translocation pairs showing proximity which was found higher for BCR-ABL, PML-RARA and AML-ETO. The radial position of the gene pairs was also recorded to see if there is any preferred location in terms of nuclear centre or periphery for translocation partners. The results suggested no preferential location of any of the gene pairs in periphery or centre of the interphase nucleus, rather random distribution was observed for all the three cases. We report here the use of simple interphase FISH method to assess the interphase proximity of gene fusion pairs which can be further employed for other translocations.

3 illus, 3 tables, 38 ref

008560   Karve S M;Tiwary K;Seleveshwari S;Dey S (Population Biology Laboratory, Biology Div, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research-Pune, Dr. Homi Bhabha Road, Pune 411 008, Email: s.dey@iiserpune.ac.in) : Environmental fluctuations do not select for increased variation or population-based resistance in Escherichia coli. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 39-49.

Little is known about the mechanisms that enable organisms to cope with unpredictable environments. To address this issue, we used replicate populations of Escherichia coli selected under complex, randomly changing environments. Under four novel stresses that had no known correlation with the selection environments, individual cells of the selected populations had significantly lower lag and greater yield compared to the controls. More importantly, there were no outliers in terms of growth, thus ruling out the evolution of population-based resistance. We also assayed the standing phenotypic variation of the selected populations, in terms of their growth on 94 different substrates. Contrary to expectations, there was no increase in the standing variation of the selected populations, nor was there any significant divergence from the ancestors. This suggested that the greater fitness in novel environments is brought about by selection at the level of the individuals, which restricts the suite of traits that can potentially evolve through this mechanism. Given that day-to-day climatic variability of the world is rising, these results have potential public health implications. Our results also underline the need for a very different kind of theoretical approach to study the effects of fluctuating environments.

3 illus, 1 table, 51 ref

008559   Handa S;Sharma N (Microbiology Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Dep, Dr Y S Parmar Univ of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173 230, Email: shwetahanda137@gmail.com) : Study on bacteriocin produced from a novel strain of Lactobacillus crustorum F11 isolated from human milk. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2016, 82(4), 1317-22.

Potential probiotic strain of Lactobadllus crusstorum Fll, isolated from Human milk was studied for the production of bacteriocin. L. crustorum F11 identified by morphological, and biochemical techniques followed by 16S rRNA sequencing, NCBI accession number KT865221. Bacteriocin potential of L. crustorum F11, studied for the first time, was revealed by strong antagonism against food spoiling and pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcusfaecalis, Listeria monocytogens, Clostridium perfringens. Leucononstoc mesenteroids and Bacillus cereus. Bacteriocin production was noticed in the late log and beginning of the stationary phase. Bacteriocin was sensitive to proteolytic enzymes like trypsin and proteinase K, thus confirming its proteolytic nature. Bacteriocin activity identified in L. crustorum Fl 1 has a bright prospective for use as food bio-preservative.

4 illus, 17 ref

008558   Gulmez Y;Kisa D;Can I (Biology Dep, Gaziosmanpasa Univ, Tokat, Turkey, Email: yasar_gulmez@yahoo.com) : Effect of Varroa destructor anderson & trueman infestation on antioxidant enzymes of adult worker honey bee (Apis mellifera L.). Asian J Chem 2016, 28(3), 663-5.

One of the most important honeybee pathogens is the mite Varroa destructor, which threats honeybee health and incomes from bee keeping. Varroa mite, among other effects, can cause oxidative stress which is indicated by alterations in antioxidant enzyme activity and total protein levels. In this study, activities of catalase, glutathione S-transferase, superoxide dismutase enzymes and quantity of total protein levels were compared in mite infested and mite-free adult worker bees. Superoxide dismutase enzyme activity remarkably increased in mite infested bees as compared to uninfested ones. Catalase enzyme activity was found low in mite infested bees although no significant difference was observed in glutathione S-transferase enzyme activity. Total protein level in mite infested bees was detected lower than uninfested ones. Changes in enzyme activities and total protein levels are resulted from oxidative stress caused by mite infestation.

3 illus, 24 ref

008557   Ghosh S (Biophysics Dep, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics, Calcutta Univ, 92, A. P. C. Road, Kolkata-700 009, Email: suklagh2010@gmail.com) : Human regeneration: an achievable goal or a dream?. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 157-65.

The main objective of regenerative medicine is to replenish cells or tissues or even to restore different body parts that are lost or damaged due to disease, injury and aging. Several avenues have been explored over many decades to address the fascinating problem of regeneration at the cell, tissue and organ levels. Here we discuss some of the primary approaches adopted by researchers in the context of enhancing the regenerating ability of mammals. Natural regeneration can occur in different animal species, and the underlying mechanism is highly relevant to regenerative medicine-based intervention. Significant progress has been achieved in understanding the endogenous regeneration in urodeles and fishes with the hope that they could help to reach our goal of designing future strategies for human regeneration.

^iia98 ref

008556   Frederico E H F F;Santos A A;Sa-Caputo D C; Neves R F;Guimaraes C A S;Chang S;Bernardo-Filho M (Departamento de Biofisica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil, Email: ericfrederico@msn.com) : Laser stimulation of the acupoint 'Zusanli' (ST.36) on the radiopharmsceutical biodistribution in Wistar rats. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 63-8.

Laser used to stimulate acupoints is called laser acupuncture (LA). It is generally believed that similar clinical responses to manual acupuncture can be achieved. Here we analysed the effects of the laser (904 nm) at the 'Zusanli' acupoint (ST.36) of the stomach meridian on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical Na^{99m TcO₄. Wistar rats were divided into control (CG) and experimental groups (EG). The EG were exposed daily to the laser (904 nm) at ST.36 with 1 joule/min (40 mW/cm2) for 1 min. The animals of the CG were not exposed to laser at all. On the 8th day after LA, the animals were sedated and Na99mTcO₄ was administered. After 10 min, the animals were all sacrificed and the organs removed. The radioactivity was counted in each organ to calculate the percentage of radioactivity of the injected dose per gram (% ATI/ g). Comparison of the % ATI/g in EG and CG was performed by Mann-Whitney test. The % ATI/g was significantly increased in the thyroid due to the stimulation of the ST.36 by laser. It is possible to conclude that the stimulation of ST.36 does lead to biological phenomena that interfere with the metabolism of the thyroid.}

2 illus, 1 table, 43 ref

008555   Das C;Ghosh T S;Mande S S (Bio-Sciences R&D Div, TCS Innovation Labs, Tata Research Development & Design Centre, Tata Consultancy Service Ltd., Pune-411 013, Email: sharmila@atc.tcs.com ) : In silico dissection of type VII secretion system components across bacteria: new directions towards functional characterization. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 133-43.

Type VII Secretion System (T7SS) is one of the factors involved in virulence of Mycobacteriun tuberculosis H37Rv. Numerous research efforts have been made in the last decade towards characterizing the components of this secretion system. An extensive genome-wide analysis through compilation of isolated information is required to obtain a global view of diverse characteristics and pathogenicity-related aspects of this machinery. The present study suggests that differences in structural components (of T7SS) between Actinobacteria and Firmicutes, observed earlier in a few organisms, is indeed a global trend. A few hitherto uncharacterized T7SS-like clusters have been identified in the pathogenic bacteria Enterococcus faecalis, Saccharomonospora viridis, Streptococcus equi, Streptococcuss gordonii and Streptococcus sanguinis. Experimental verification of these clusters can shed lights on their role in bacterial pathogenesis. Similarly, verification of the identified variants of T7SS clusters consisting additional membrane components may help in unraveling new mechanism of protein translocation through T7SS. A database of various components of T7SS has been developed to facilitate easy access and interpretation of T7SS related data.

5 illus, 37 ref

008554   Cherrat L;Dumas E;Bakkali M;Degraeve P; Laglaoui A;Oulahal N (Universite Abdelmalek Essaadi, Faculte des Sciences et Techniques, Equipe de Recherche en Biotechnologies et Genie des Biomolecules (ERBGB), B.P. 416, Tanger, Morocco, Email: nadia.oulahal@univ-lyon.fr) : Effect of essential oils on cell viability, membrane integrity and membrane fluidity of Listeria innocua and Escherichia coli. J essential Oil Bearing Pl 2016, 19(1), 155-66.

Listeria innocua LRGIA 01 and Escherichia coli CECT 471 cells were exposed to five essential oils (EOs) at different concentrations to determine their minimal inhibitory concentrations and minimal bactericidal concentrations. Since bacterial membranes are considered as a target of antimicrobial EOs, the membrane fluidity and integrity of bacteria were monitored respectively after 280 minutes or 24 hours exposure to Laurus nobilis or Satureja calamintha EOs. Measuring fluorescence anisotropy of two probes revealed that these two EOs rigidified the surface of membrane but increased the fluidity of its core. Application of the Live/Deadr BacLightTM kit after 24 hours contact with EOs at their MIC at the bacterial optimal temperature allowed observing that they damaged the membranes of bacteria and the persistence of Viable But Non Culturable (VBNC) bacteria. These observations should both be taken into account when considering addition of EOs to control the growth of certain important food-borne pathogenic bacteria.

4 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

008553   Birkan T;Sahin M;Oztel Z;Balcan E (Biology Dep, Celal Bayar Univ, Faculty of Arts and Science, Molecular Biology Section, 45047 Muradiye Campus, Manisa-Turkey, Email: erdal.balcan@cbu.edu.tr) : Do prion protein gene polymorphisms induce apoptosis in non-mammals?. J Biosci, Bangalore 2016, 41(1), 97-107.

Genetic variations such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in prion protein coding gene, Prnp, greatly affect susceptibility to prion diseases in mammals. Here, the coding region of Prnp was screened for polymorphisms in red-eared turtle, Trachemys scripta. Four polymorphisms, L203V, N2051, V225A and M237V, were common in 15 out of 30 turtles; in one sample, three SNPs, L203V, N205I and M237V, and in the remaining 14 samples, only L203V and N2051 polymorphisms, were investigated. Besides, C658T, C664T, C670A and C823A SNPs were silent mutations. To elucidate the relationship between the SNPs and apoptosis, TUNEL assays and active caspase-3 immunodetection techniques in brain sections of the polymorphic samples were performed. The results revealed that TUNEL-positive cells and active caspase-3-positive cells in the turtles with four polymorphisms were significantly increased compared with those of the turtles with two polymorphisms (P<60>0.01 and P<60>0.05, respectively). In conclusion, this study provides preliminary information about the possible relationship between SNPs within the Prnp locus and apoptosis in a non-mammalian species, Trachemys scripta, in which prion disease has never been reported.

3 illus, 2 tables, 87 ref